Some of the most beautiful and highly collectible porcelain that can be found today, was once considered mere ballast in the holds of clipper ships plying the trade routes between China, Europe and the United States. This porcelain, now known generically as "Chinese Export," includes such patterns as Canton, Rose Medallion, Fitzhugh, and Bird and Butterfly. Chinese Export was made in China exclusively for export, between the years 1780 and 1880 and a little into the 20th century.

Rose Medallion is the pattern with the widest variations in forms, pattern and quality. It is characterized by four alternating panels around a central gold circle ("medallion") enclosing a bird and a tree peony (the "rose" of China). Within the four panels are birds, flowers, butterflies and people in a house. Separating the panels are scrollwork vines, and flying bats, a good luck symbol.

Variations on Rose Medallion are Rose Mandarin, which shows only people; and Rose Canton, which shows only birds, flowers and butterflies (no people). The Butterfly pattern is easy to distinguish, as it has butterflies throughout the pattern. The shapes are the same as Canton, but without as many types. This was mostly produced mid-century, and is very colorful.